This blog started off by focussing on NZ's smaller 3rd level airlines, past and present. It has evolved to trying to present some record of NZ's domestic airline operations and some of the larger charter operators, interesting NZ international airliner movements and photos I have taken around the country. Comments, corrections or contributions are welcome, Steve - westland831@gmail.com

08 August 2013

Still grounded...

Tonga’s new Chinese-gifted plane is still awaiting clearance to be put into operation on domestic routes of the carrier, Real Tonga. The route between Nuku’alofa and Vava’u is being served by an aircraft of the New Zealand carrier, Chathams Pacific, which had ceased flights in March after learning of the arrival of the Chinese MA-60 aircraft... The chief executive of Real Tonga, Tevita Palu, says while the MA-60 has been doing practice circuits, it has not yet taken passengers. Mr Palu says the airline is still waiting for an Air Operation Certificate from an international body, which would allow it to take passengers.